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HB 5948

Health facilities: hospitals; use of restraint or seclusion; modify for hospitals. Amends secs. 20201 & 21734 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.20201 & 333.21734) .

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Carrie Rheingans

Michigan bill HB 5948 tightens hospital regulations on physical restraints and seclusion of patients, requiring stricter protocols and documentation procedures in psychiatric and emergency care settings.

bill electronically reproduced 09/25/2024
#healthfacilities:hospitals #stateagencies(existing):licensingandregulatoryaffairs
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Bill Summary · HB 5948

Legislative bill overview

HB 5948 modifies Michigan law governing the use of physical restraints and seclusion in hospital settings. The bill amends existing regulations in the Public Health Code to establish or adjust requirements for when and how hospitals may use these containment measures on patients.

Why is this important

Restraint and seclusion practices in hospitals directly affect patient safety, dignity, and psychological wellbeing—particularly for vulnerable populations like those experiencing mental health crises, dementia, or behavioral challenges. Clear regulatory standards help prevent abuse while balancing legitimate safety needs for both patients and staff.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and restrictions: Disagreement over how much hospitals should restrict restraint/seclusion use versus maintaining flexibility for emergency safety situations
  • Liability and staffing: Hospitals may resist stricter rules due to concerns about liability exposure and costs of alternative de-escalation training and staffing
  • Patient rights vs. operational concerns: Tension between prioritizing patient autonomy and dignity versus addressing disruptive or dangerous behavior management in busy clinical environments

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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